North Coast

North Coast
Often called the Holiday Coast by Sydney-siders, this sand-strewn fantasyland of the northern NSW coast caters equally to leisurely backpackers, die-hard surfers, and hordes of families. Newcastle and Port Macquarie, with urban shores only a day from Sydney, draw holiday-makers itching to sunbathe, water-ski, or wet their surfboards At the other end of the spectrum, inland eco-activist centers Lismore and Bellingen thrive on highly productive agricultural land punctuated by scenic national parks and fast-flowing rivers.. With virtual cult status, Byron Bay synthesizes these two distinct flavors and seems to have a magnetic pull for all kinds of travelers, luring sunburned and party-ready hordes up the coast and detaining them for a while before they progress toward the Queensland border and the clutch of beaches beyond. For cov¬erage of Tweed Heads, see Tweed Heads and Coolangatta.
Near Newcastle
Fifteen minutes south of Newcastle is Lake Macquarie, Australia’s largest coastal salt¬water lake (four times the size of Sydney Harbour) and a holiday hotspot. The shore is popular with surfers and families alike, with great waves, caverns at Caves Beach, and an old mining village at Catherine Hill Bay. Spelunkers must go at low tide so as not to get caught in the caves. Tide tables are at the info center. The district has many caravan parks and motels. It’s also convenient to stay in Belmont or Charlestown, sub¬urbs of Newcastle. The Lake Macquarie information center is at 72 Pacific Hwy in the Blacksmiths (open M-F 9am-5pm, Sa-Su 9am-4pm). The mountainous Watagan State Forests separate Lake Macquarie from the Hunter River. An hour from Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, they’re ideal for hikes, picnics, or camping. There are six campsites, most with firewood, barbecues, toilets, and water. Call the State Forests of NSW for more info